Old Cowhand

(conte and pastel pencil, 10x8 inches)
Here's a job that I would have loved to do the entire picture -- horse and all! But the client could only afford the basic portrait. The photo was old and small; his head was about 1/2" high. But though the contrast was strong, the highlights were perfectly exposed and the shadows retained just enough detail to be intriguing.

Visit RitaKirkmanDrawings.com to commission a pencil portrait from your old photo!

A Portrait Commission

(conte and pastel pencil, 10x8 inches)

A family honors their veteran father's proud service to our country!

See RitaKirkmanDrawings.com to commission a portrait in pencil.

A Pet Cat Memorial Portrait

Their family cat had passed away shortly before Christmas this year. A memorial portrait from an excellent reference photo as this one was never fails to touch something deep inside me.
I have has several cats come and go through my life...

(conte and pastel pencil, 10x8 inches)
Visit RitaKirkmanDrawings.com to commission a portrait in pencil.

A Pet Portrait

A recent pet portrait commission (conte and pastel pencil, 10x8 inches.) The adorable ones like this are the most enjoyable jobs!
See my drawings website at RitaKirkmanDrawings.com for info on how to commission a pencil portrait.

A Pet Portrait Commission

A recent pet portrait commission  (conte and pastel pencil, 10x8 inches)
See my drawings website RitaKirkmanDrawings.com for information on how to commission a portrait in pencil.

A Portrait Commission

Another Holiday portrait commission. I'm half-way through the craft show at Rolling Oaks Mall in San Antonio. With more portraits than time to post them!
See my Drawings website on how to commission a pencil portrait! RitaKirkmanDrawings.comhttp://www.ritakirkmandrawings.com/

Nellie

"Nellie"  (oil, 6x6 inches) 

Nellie is the 'identical twin' of Hugo (wink) a handsome cow of whom I have so many great pics to choose from, that I had to paint another. I especially enjoyed the distinctive pink pattern on the muzzle, and the trepidatious look in her eye!
I believe I'm making steady improvements with my oil painting skills!

(Now available at Cactus Jack's in Gruene, Texas, as of Jan 2012)

"Cows, etc." The Book, Now Available!

My new art book "Cows, etc. -100 Miniature Portraits-" celebrates the beauty of the bovine and other animals, in 100 miniature pastel portraits, reproduced in full color images! Available here: www.createspace.com/3718769
Just in time for  Christmas gift giving! (Order soon to allow time for printing and shipping)

Guardian

"Guardian"  (pastel, 16x12 inches)

This is my answer to several requests for another "Bodyguard", which won first place recently at the ASBA, and sold immediately! "Guardian" will be available at Cactus Jack's in Gruene, Texas after Dec 5.

Cold Shoulder

"Cold Shoulder"  (oil, 6x6 inches)  

Here's a new play on the profile view, after so many front-on portraits. And I just couldn't resist the fluffy ear!

(Now available at Cactus Jack's in Gruene, Texas, as of Jan 2012.)